During a mission, Naruto and Hinata are attacked by Hidan and Kakuzu, whom have been sent to capture the Nine-Tail's Jinchuriki. However, Hidan's attention is soon focused on the shy indigo-haired girl. She was so sweet and innocent, which made him want her that much more.

Okay, here it is; the final chapter. I hope this wraps the story up nicely enough, but make sure to read the notes at the very end. I just posted the first chapter of a five-chaptered story that I have been working on, though I don't know if it actually posted since it could take a few hours... Basically it makes fun of the zombie apocalypse and obviously I included Hidan/Hinata in it. Anyway, enjoy this chapter and please review.

Descent Into Darkness

Chapter 21

After about an hour and a half, Hinata had to stop to rest. Although her wounds had completely healed by then, she had been hit with a wave of dizziness. Hidan didn't mind, and had actually anticipated that to happen. Her body wasn't used to its changes, so it would take a bit of a toll on her for the next day or so. Hinata sank down to her knees, panting heavily. She laid down on her back, her eyes closed as she waited for the dizziness to pass. Hidan sat beside her and gently shifted her so that her head rested on his lap. He stroked her soft hair, loving the silkiness in his fingers.

"Sorry," she murmured, trying to slow down her breathing.

"Don't be. Your body isn't fucking used to the changes yet. The first few days always suck the most, so don't feel bad. Rest as much as you fucking have to," he told her.

As she lay there, Hinata opened her eyes and slowly looked around. It didn't take her long to realize where they were. "We're only about a half hour away from Konoha. I used to come this way when I was sent on missions."

Hidan grinned as a sadistic thought ran through his head. "Perfect. Now we can make a pit stop and slaughter that whole fucking village."

"No."

The Jashinist frowned at his lover. "Why the fuck not? You almost fucking died because of them."

Hinata gazed up at him, her voice calm. "What happened to me was a result of my own actions. They don't deserve to die."

"Aw, c'mon! Not even that pink-haired bitch?" He asked, hoping that she would at least make one exception.

"She's not worth my time...not yet at least," she answered after a moment. "Besides, I don't want to be there for too long. If we just left the Akatsuki, we shouldn't bring any attention like that to ourselves."

Realizing that she was right, as usual, he growled. "Fine..."

"But...there is something that I want to do," she admitted. "Do you mind? I'll make sure to stay out of sight."

Hidan quirked an eyebrow. "I guess. What the fuck do you have to do?"

"Just some personal business," she replied. "Something that I would like to do before we leave this area for good."

He thought about it for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. I still wish you'd let me kill someone though... I really would just love to mutilate those fuckers."

"Sorry, but as I said before, it's best not to do anything that would bring attention to ourselves."

Hidan smirked. "You really are too nice sometimes."

"And you're a bit impulsive," she reasoned.

"Are you calling me stupid?" he questioned, feeling insulted as he misinterpreted the word.

"What? No, I'm not calling you stupid. I mean that you're prone to jumping into dangerous situations without thinking about it first. Since you no longer have Kakuzu around to sew your body back together, you'll have to be a bit more careful. And I guess the same goes for me," Hinata mumbled as she thought about it.

Hidan groaned. "Yeah, that's right. Fucking Kakuzu... Anyway, are you feeling okay yet? Or do you need a few more minutes?"

"I think I'm alright," she responded.

Just as she went to ease herself up, Hidan suddenly bent down to plant a kiss on her rosy lips. Hinata allowed him to snake his tongue into her mouth, and reached up to cup his cheek. After several seconds, Hidan eventually pulled away, though he was reluctant to do so.

"Hey...I..." He struggled to get the words out, inwardly cursing at his inability to speak.

Hinata stared up at him, confused. However, she remained quiet, wanting to hear what he had to say. For the first time since she had known him, Hidan actually appeared to be rather flustered.

"Look, I really suck at this kind of shit, but...uh...I...I love you," he finally blurted out. After almost losing Hinata, he wanted to tell her how he felt, even if he was horrible at articulating the words. He typically didn't do that sappy crap.

Hinata smiled up at him warmly. "I love you, too, Hidan."

Hidan leaned down to kiss her one more time, then wrapped his arms around her. He helped her stand up, knowing that they couldn't afford to stick around for much longer.

"Let's get going," he said, looking around the area. "The sooner we get further away from here, the better."

Hinata nodded in agreement and the two of them set off once again. There was a particular destination that she wanted to go to once they'd reached Konoha. She would have to make it quick, though.

The following morning

"It seems that Hidan has gone off somewhere. When I sent Kakuzu to get him, he wasn't in his room. There were three corpses on the floor that he left behind, as well as his Akatsuki cloak," Pein stated.

Tobi turned slightly, his Sharingan glancing back at the pierced man through the single eye hole of his mask. "And what about Hinata?"

"She's gone as well," Pein replied. "I know that last night he was attempting to turn her immortal."

"Do you know if it worked?" Tobi asked calmly.

The redhead remained expressionless. "Unfortunately, I don't know. There is a possibility that it could've worked. But at the same time, it may not have. If Hinata died during the night, he may have taken her body to bury it somewhere."

"But there is a chance that she is still alive," the masked man replied, pondering the possibilities. "Hidan and she could have run off together. If that's the case, then they have defected themselves from the Akatsuki. I'm not taking too kindly to that aspect."

"Should I send someone to search for them?" Pein questioned. "I understand that today you planned on attacking Konoha to capture the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, but if you would like me to send a few members to look for them instead, it can be done."

Tobi was quiet for a moment. "No. Let them go. For now at least. I don't need them at a time like this. The other members we have will be efficient for the job."

"Shall I deploy them immediately?" Pein asked, his Rinnegan fixed on the actual leader of the Akatsuki.

"Yes. Make sure the preparations are ready. You are dismissed."

Pein gave a slight nod, before exiting the office to carry out Tobi's orders. Once he was gone, the masked man felt his lips curl into a smirk as his mind went back to Hidan and Hinata. He didn't believe for a second that Hinata was dead. As crazy as Hidan was, that man accomplished seemingly impossible tasks when he put his mind to it.

"I wonder if those two know exactly what they've gotten themselves into..."

Elsewhere

Naruto slowly opened his eyes as the first rays of sunlight peaked through his shades. He sighed and rolled onto his other side, annoyed with the brightness. As he repositioned himself, the stinging sensation in his cut acted up all over again. He groaned, not wanting to get out of bed just yet. It had taken him until about three in the morning to fall asleep, and according to the clock on his nightstand, only three hours had passed.

However, the bothersome pain made it impossible to rest comfortably, so he reluctantly hauled himself out of bed. He didn't care so much about the pain pills he had been given, but wanted to apply the cream. It wouldn't make the stinging go away completely, but it would at least numb the effect.

Naruto groggily headed towards his bathroom, his blond hair tousled from his rough night. Sakura had pissed him off to the point where he debated on whether or not he even wanted to leave his apartment today. How could she be so cruel in regards to Hinata, but still act as though Sasuke was some kind of god? He just didn't understand. He probably never would.

"Whatever," he mumbled, shuffling towards the bathroom.

For some unknown reason, as he passed by his living room, he glanced carelessly inside. It took him a moment to realize that something caught his eye, even after he had passed by the doorway. Naruto paused, then turned and entered the living room, his interest piqued. There was something outside of the window, though he couldn't tell exactly what it was.

Curious, he made his way over to the window and opened it, reaching out to pick up the object that had been left on the sill. It was a small black box with a small red ribbon tied onto it. He stared at it for a moment, absently closing the window in the process. What was in it? Where had it come from? Part of him almost didn't want to find out, and he was tempted to chuck it back out the window. However, a bigger part chided him to see what was inside, and that was the side that he chose to listen to.

The blond untied the delicate box, then slowly opened the box as he swallowed nervously. Inside the box contained a simple black jar, along with a small, folded note. He warily picked the jar up and unscrewed the lid, his face furrowed into a frown.

"What is this?" he murmured, removing the lid to see its contents.

The jar held some type of ointment, and it took him a minute to realize that he had been given something exactly like it years ago. Eight years ago, to be exact. During the Chunin Exams.

"Wait a minute..." With wide eyes, he put the jar down and quickly picked up the note, opening it to read what it said.

There was only one word within the small piece of paper, but it was enough. Arigato.

The jar contained a healing salve, and he recognized the delicate, curvy writing. A smile spread across his face as he put two and two together.

"Naruto." Kakashi stepped into the room, apologetic. "I'm sorry for just barging in, but I thought you might still be asleep. Anyway, I've just received word that the Akatsuki is heading towards Konoha to try to capture you again. We've already got reinforcements on the way, but I still wanted you to be aware of the situation. Are you okay to fight?"

"I'm ready to take on anyone and anything," he answered confidently, his optimistic mood surprising his former sensei.

"That's good to know," Kakashi replied. "You should get ready. The others have been informed, so meet them at the village gate."

Naruto grinned. "Right."

Three days later

"After we pass through this next village, we'll be heading towards where I used to live. Wonder what's left of that shithole," Hidan remarked with a laugh.

"How long has it been since you were last there?" Hinata asked as they continued on.

The silver-haired male smirked. "Years. My last time there was when I slaughtered the entire village. They were trying to turn it into a fucking tourist attraction," he sneered. "Seriously, what the fuck is up with that shit? In the end, the place was nothing but a fucking joke. But there's some stuff that I hid there awhile ago and I want to see if the shit's still there."

"And where will we go after that?" The young woman asked. "Anywhere in particular?"

"We will go wherever the fuck we want," he answered. "Nobody fucking knows us around here. Anyone who would've recognized me from my village is already dead. I made sure to leave no one behind."

"It's nice," Hinata murmured, somewhat to herself. "Not worrying about anyone knowing me. My only problem would be someone trying to steal my Byakugan, but that will happen no matter where I go. And I think I can handle myself just fine at this point."

Hidan snorted, taking her hand into his. "You honestly think I'd let anyone like that near you, even with you being immortal? I'll fucking gut them if they try."

"Aww, a little protective, are we?" she teased gently.

"I'd be an idiot not to be," he replied, then decided to change the subject. "So, are you happy about the fact that the Akatsuki once again failed to capture that annoying friend of yours?"

Whilst passing through one of the villages, the residents had been gossiping amongst each other about what had happened in Konoha. The Akatsuki had been sent to capture the Nine-Tail's Jinchuriki, just as Hinata had suspected they would. Fortunately, with all of Konoha's reinforcements, they had been unable to in the end. They had retreated for the time being, while Pein came up with a new strategy to take him down. It would probably be at least another few weeks or so before they tried again, which Hinata was grateful for.

"Naruto is very persistent," Hinata told Hidan. "He'd avoid getting captured at all costs. In a way, he reminds me of you when it comes to his stubbornness."

In the past few days, they had purchases some supplies, as well as a change of clothes. Hinata found it to be wise to remain as inconspicuous as possible, and Hidan had reluctantly agreed. Instead of wearing her usual clothes, Hinata wore a sleeveless lavender sundress that came down to a few inches above her knees, as well as a pair of pretty sandals. Hidan donned a pair of black pants, as well as a dark blue shirt, which he kept unbuttoned with the sleeves rolled up a bit. If he had to wear the damn thing, he was going to make sure it was at least open. He had kept his regular sandals, since they were comfortable and he honestly didn't give a damn about buying new ones. His scythe was hidden out of sight, as Hinata had used a jutsu on it to shrink it down temporarily for when he wasn't using it. Walking around with a huge scythe was rather suspicious, but Hidan had refused to part with it. It was tucked away under his shirt, and inside one of his pockets was the thick wad of cash he had kept aside. If Kakuzu had known about it, he would've stolen it from the Jashinist ages ago. His weapons pouch was hidden under the back of his shirt, at his beltline beside his scythe, though he didn't think he'd actually need it.

"So...you still have yet to sacrifice anyone yet," Hidan said after a moment.

"I know...I just..." Hinata's voice trailed off.

The Jashinist smirked. "It's not a big deal. You've killed people before, so it's not like it would be much different."

"Well, you would sacrifice any random person that you happen to come across. For me, it's not that simple... Even if it was an enemy, just the thought of me torturing someone..." She shook her head at the thought. "It makes me uncomfortable..."

"I figured that much. But as long as I sacrifice two people every time instead of one, you'll remain immortal. Which is fucking fine by me," he added with a devious grin. "The more I get to kill, the better."

"Will it work if you do it for me, though?" Hinata asked. "I mean, for all we know, the immortality could wear off if I'm not the one doing it..."

Hidan shook his head. "Nah, it will. I'm the one who turned you that way, so it'll work if I do the dirty work for you. If you're really worried about it, I can stab you in the fucking stomach to see if you heal quickly," he quipped.

"No, I think I'm all set," she murmured, squeezing his hand.

The village gates were in sight, though it wouldn't be for another twenty minutes before they reached them. Once there, Hidan would pay for a room for the night, before they continued on in the morning. So far there hadn't been any trouble along the way, and Hidan had plenty of money to sustain them for quite awhile. Even so, he wasn't above robbing his sacrifices if it came to it, not to mention the fact that there might still be valuables throughout his old home.

"Speaking of sacrifices, I think I just found our next ones," Hidan remarked with a smirk.

Heading in their direction was a rough-looking couple, both of them heavily equipped with ninja gear. They seemed to be in their mid-twenties, and judging by their leery stares, it was obvious that they weren't going to let Hidan and Hinata continue on their way to the village without some sort of hassle.

"And there's still plenty of distance between us and the village. It'll be so easy to kill them and then dispose of their bodies after I've finished," Hidan told her sensually.

"Do as you please," Hinata said, watching as the approaching couple each took out a kunai. "I'll help you take them down, but I'll let you deal with the ritual. I'm not ready for it... I don't know if I'll ever be..."

"As long as you're with me, I don't give a shit if you never do," her lover responded, his hand still enveloping hers. "Is this what you really want, Hinata? To be with someone like me?"

Hinata smiled up at him. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

Hidan grinned, his scythe reverting back to its original size once he'd pulled it out. "Then let's do this shit."

Hm, I want a travel-sized scythe, too... I can freak out a bunch of random people by pretending to be the Grim Reaper! Anyway, I hope you liked (or are at least content with) how I ended the story. I ended it in a way so that I can do a potential sequel if enough people wanted it. So on that note, please review to not only tell me how you liked it, but if you would be interested in me writing a sequel for it. If I can get at least ten reviews saying to write one, I will start to plan for it. Or you can just vote on the poll that I put up on my profile. In the meantime, as I stated in the first set of author's notes, I have a five-chaptered story that I've been working on, and I just finished the first chapter of that and published it. There are also several one-shots that I've been simultaneously working on, and some of them will be put up within the next few days. Anyway, I can probably have the sequel started sometime between August and September, as there is another multi-chaptered story that I want to begin soon as well. That particular one is Hida/Hina of course, but this one is set in an alternate universe, not the ninja world. It will contain my usual themes, including violence, lemons, swearing, and some humor, and will touch up on some darker themes.

But enough of my fricking rambling, please review and I will make sure to start planning out the sequel should enough people vote in favor for it (which I do already have several possibilities running through my deranged mind). Ten reviews at least or vote YES on my poll! Have a nice day ^_^

The author would like to thank you for your continued support. Your review has been posted.